Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 20, Issue 2, 2018, Pages 422-430

Immigrant Generational Status and Developmental Problems among Prematurely Born Children (Article)

Bediako P.T.* , BeLue R. , Hillemeier M.M.
  • a Department of Health Policy and Administration, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States, Population Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, 604 Ford Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States
  • b Department of Health Policy and Administration, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States, Population Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, 604 Ford Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States
  • c Department of Health Policy and Administration, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States, Population Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, 604 Ford Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States

Abstract

Immigrants in the U.S. often have comparatively favorable health outcomes despite relative socioeconomic disadvantage- a phenomenon termed the Immigrant Paradox. This study examined the relationship between family immigrant status and developmental problems among children born preterm. The 2011–2012 National Survey of Children’s Health data collected through a telephone based survey based on parental report of prematurity and other comorbidities were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis to examine seven developmental outcomes. Preterm 1st/2nd generation children had fewer developmental problems than preterm 3rd generation children. Controlling for socioeconomic status and other covariates, 1st/2nd generation children had significantly lower odds of developmental delay, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and hearing problems. Consistent with the Immigrant Paradox, prematurely born children of immigrants had comparable or better developmental outcomes than preterm children of US born parents despite socioeconomic disadvantage. Further research to explicate mechanisms responsible for the protective health effects observed is warranted. © 2017, Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Author Keywords

Immigrant paradox Child development health disparities Preterm birth

Index Keywords

Developmental Disabilities health survey Continental Population Groups ancestry group human epidemiology Premature Birth Ethnic Groups statistics and numerical data ethnic group Health Surveys ethnology United States Humans migrant developmental disorder Adolescent Infant, Newborn male Emigrants and Immigrants preschool child Socioeconomic Factors Infant Child, Preschool newborn female socioeconomics age sex factor Sex Factors Age Factors prematurity Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85014059317&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-017-0560-1&partnerID=40&md5=abe4d6f9fdcc3770c083dbac870c7738
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-017-0560-1
ISSN: 15571912
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English